The High Court in Suva will deliver its judgment later this month, in the case of a suspended Naitasiri Under-19 rugby lock’s case.

Naitasiri Under-19 rugby lock, Keresi Maya, has filed a motion for a permanent stay on the criminal proceedings against him in the Magistrates Court in Nausori.

Maya is facing a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

It is alleged that Maya on August 29, punched referee Peni Talemaivavalgi during the match between Naitasiri and Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

Maya’s lawyer Sevuloni Valenitabua told the court that he had filed a notice of motion with an affidavit in support seeking a permanent stay on the criminal proceedings as his client, Maya, had been penalised by the Fiji Rugby Union with a ban of six years.

Maya is banned from all levels of rugby in Fiji and abroad for a period of six years following the alleged assault.

Mr Valenitabua stated in his application that his client had already been penalised and if the proceedings in the Magistrates Court continued, and Maya was found guilty and convicted, then he would be penalised again for the same offence.

Justice Thushara Rajasinghe will deliver his judgment on April 15.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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